113 



the architecture, and as a foreground to the 

 distance. 



These old gardens were laid out formally : 

 that is, with symmetry and regularity : for 

 they were to accompany what was regular 

 and symmetrical. They were full of decora- 

 tions, for they were to accompany what 

 was highly ornamented ; and their decora- 

 tions, in order that they might accord with 

 those of the mansion, partook of sculpture 

 and architecture. Those who admire un- 

 disguised symmetry, when allied with the 

 splendour and magnificence of art, will be 

 most pleased with such gardens, when kept 

 up according to their original design : those, 

 on the other hand, who may wish for an 

 addition of more varied and picturesque cir- 

 cumstances, will find them in many of those 

 old gardens whenever they have been ne- 

 glected ; for the same causes which give a 

 picturesque character to buildings, give it 

 also to architectural gardens.* The first 

 step towards it is the partial concealment of 

 symmetry by the breaks and interruptions 



* Essay on the Picturesque, chap. 3. 

 VOL. II. I 



